Montco Woman Killed Boyfriend During Argument: DA

POTTSTOWN, PA — A 21-year-old Montgomery County woman has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing her boyfriend Thursday, according to authorities.

Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele and Pottstown Police Chief Mick Markovich said Caitlin Celina Mauras, 21, of Pottstown, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder of her boyfriend, Jaylin Thomas, 24, in their Pottstown apartment.

She also faced third-degree murder and possessing an instrument of crime, as well.

According to authorities, Pottstown Police were called to 351 N. Charlotte St., Apt. 10, at 9:56 p.m. on Thursday for a reported stabbing.

Police found Thomas suffering from a stab wound in the apartment, according to the DA's office. Thomas was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mauras was in the apartment when police showed up, the DA's office said.

According to authorities, Mauras and Thomas were arguing about what was on Thomas's cell phone when the defendant went into the kitchen and came to the living room with a knife.

The DA's office said Maura swung the knife at Thomas and cut his neck.

An autopsy on Thomas’ body was conducted on April 17 by the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office. Forensic Pathologist Dr. Ian Hood determined the cause of death was a stab wound to the neck and the manner of death was homicide.

Mauras was denied bail and was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 27.

The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office Thursday reported an 8 to 9 percent increase in domestic violence incents in the county since the coronavirus crisis began.

Earlier this week, a 60-year-old Pottstown man told police strangled his wife to death after an argument Wednesday.

"This is the second tragic domestic violence death in a week in Pottstown. Both murders occurred after arguments by two people who lived together," said Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele. "Staying at home together, as we all are now doing, comes with stresses that may trigger domestic violence. People living in these situations, male or female, need to know that there is help available. Call the hotlines. Talk to someone about getting help."

Laurel House's 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week domestic violence hotline is 800-642-3150, and the Women’s Center of Montgomery County's hotline is 800-773-2424.

The help lines are answered by trained volunteers who can listen, offer advice on services available, provide safety planning, and get immediate safe shelter for victims and children.

Both agencies provide legal aid to help with writing and obtaining a PFA through the Courts; safety advice for victims, and assistance in obtaining safe housing.

More information can be found at Laurel House website here and Women's Center website here, both of which have an escape button on the site should someone be surprised by their abuser while looking at the site’s services.